ES2536287T3 - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing-fluid container comprises a printing-fluid reservoir (124), which is configured to hold a volume of printing-fluid, and a substantially planar leading surface (126) that faces away from the printing-fluid reservoir (124). The planar leading surface may have a first entry point (158) arranged to receive a printing fluid connector (202) of a printing system, a second entry point (156) arranged to receive an air connector (200) of the printing system and a third entry point (222) arranged to receive a latch member (226) comprising a catch (228), which engages with and releasably secures the printing-fluid container when the container is seated in a bay (224, 240) of the respective printing system.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Printing system

Background

Inkjet printing systems often use one or more replaceable ink containers that contain a finite volume of ink. An ink container can be replaced if the ink container is unable to supply ink. For example, an ink container can be replaced if all the ink has been used in the ink container and is therefore empty. Many known ink containers are unable to supply all of the ink in the ink container and are considered to be effectively empty, although some ink remains in said ink container. Such ink containers can be replaced when the ink container stops supplying ink properly. Users generally prefer ink containers that do not have to be replaced frequently. In addition, users generally prefer ink containers that are relatively easy to replace when replacement is necessary.

US 6322205 describes a printing fluid container comprising one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fluid ejection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a somewhat schematic view of an embodiment of a printing fluid delivery system, as used in the fluid ejection system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a compartment for printing fluid containers in an open position, as used in the fluid supply system of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows the compartment for printing fluid containers of Figure 3 in a closed position.

Figure 5 shows a front isometric view of a printing fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the printing fluid container of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows an isometric view, from behind, of the printing fluid container of Figure 5.

Figure 8 shows a set of three printing fluid containers formed by the combination of three different reservoir bodies with three similarly configured lids.

Figures 9-11 show views from above, in cross section, of a printing fluid container that is seated in a compartment for printing fluid containers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a keyway projection configured to match a corresponding keyway fixing cavity of a printing fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows five key projections configured to fix per key, respectively, five different printing fluids.

Figures 14-16 show views from above, in cross section, of a printing fluid container that is seated in a compartment for printing fluid containers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing member of the printing fluid container of Figures 14-16.

Figure 18 is a somewhat schematic view of a ball sealing mechanism of the printing fluid container of Figures 14-16.

Figure 19 shows the ball sealing mechanism of Figure 18, to which a fluid connector is applied.

Figure 20 shows the fluid connector of Figure 19.

Figure 21 schematically shows a level of the printing fluid of a printing fluid container that includes a well.

Figure 22 schematically shows a level of the printing fluid of a printing fluid container that includes a well.

Figure 23 shows an isometric view, from behind, of a container of printing fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 24-26 show views from above, in cross-section, of a printing fluid container that is seated in a compartment for printing fluid containers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 27-29 show side views, in cross section, of a printing fluid container that is seated in a compartment for printing fluid containers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 schematically shows a fluid ejection system 10. Although fluid ejection systems may be configured to expel a variety of different fluids on a corresponding variety of different print media in various embodiments, this invention focuses on a system. printing as an example used to eject, or print, ink on paper. However, it should be understood that other printing systems, as well as other fluid ejection systems designed for non-printing applications, are also within the scope of this invention.

The fluid ejection system 10 includes a control system 12, a support positioning system 14, a fluid supply system 16 and a control interface 18. The control system 12 can include a set of components, such as a printed circuit board, a processor, a memory, a specific application integrated circuit, etc., which carries out the ejection of fluid corresponding to a received fluid ejection signal 20. The fluid ejection signals can be received through a wired or wireless control interface 18, or another suitable mechanism. The fluid ejection signals may include instructions for performing a desired fluid ejection process. After receiving such a fluid ejection signal, the control system may cause the media positioning system 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 to cooperate to expel fluid on a support 22. As an example, a fluid ejection signal You can include a print job that defines a particular image to print. The control system can interpret the print job and cause a fluid, such as ink, to be ejected on a paper, with a pattern that replicates the image defined by the print job.

The support positioning system 14 can control the relative positioning of the fluid ejection system and a support on which the fluid ejection system has to expel fluid. For example, the media positioning system 14 may include a paper feed that advances paper through a printing area 24 of the fluid ejection system. The media positioning system may additionally or alternatively include a mechanism for laterally positioning a print head, or other suitable device, for expelling fluid to different areas of the printing area. The relative position of the support and the fluid ejection system can be controlled, so that fluid can be expelled only on a desired part of the support. In some embodiments, the support positioning system 14 can be selectively configured to accommodate two or more different types and / or sizes of supports.

Figure 2 schematically shows an example fluid delivery system in the form of a print fluid delivery system 16 ’. The print fluid supply system includes a print scanner head 30, which may include one or more nozzles adapted to receive a print fluid from a fluid supply and expel the print fluid onto a print media. A nozzle may be associated with a fluid ejector element, such as a semiconductor resistor, which is operatively connected to a control system. The control system can selectively cause the fluid ejector element to heat the printing fluid that is supplied to the fluid ejector element. In embodiments that use a resistor as a fluid ejector, the resistor can be activated by directing current through said resistor for one or more pulses. The heated print fluid can vaporize and create, at least partially, a print fluid bubble. Expansion of the print fluid bubble can cause some of the print fluid to be ejected from the corresponding nozzle on the print media. A printhead may be adapted to print a single color of ink, two or more different colors of ink, as well as a preconditioner, a fixative and / or other printing fluid. It is within the scope of this invention to use other mechanisms to expel fluid on a support, and the printhead 30 is provided as a non-limiting example. For example, a printhead may include a fluid ejector element configured to effect fluid ejection through a non-thermal mechanism, such as by vibration.

The printing fluid supply system 16 ’includes an offset ink supply station 40. An "off-center" ink supply may be located away from a printhead, so that the printhead can scan through a print zone, while the ink supply remains substantially stationary. Such an arrangement may decrease the total weight of a printhead assembly as compared to a printhead assembly that includes a centered ink supply. A relatively light printhead assembly may require relatively less energy to move, while moving faster, quieter and / or with less vibration than a printhead with an integrated focused ink supply. An offset ink supply may be located for easy access, in order to facilitate refilling the ink supply, and may be sized to accommodate a desired volume of ink. As explained in more detail below, an ink supply station may be configured for front loading, so that a container of printing fluid can be inserted laterally into a printing system. The stationary position and relatively easy access of an offset ink supply can allow relatively large volumes of ink to be stored and supplied.

An offset ink supply may include containers for storing and supplying one or more ink colors, as well as other printing fluids. For example, the ink supply station 40 includes six compartments for ink containers configured to accommodate six corresponding ink containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink supply station 40 includes a yellow compartment 42, a dark magenta compartment 44, a light magenta compartment 46, a dark cyan compartment 48, a light cyan compartment 50 and a black compartment 52, which are adapted to receive, respectively, a yellow ink container 54, a dark magenta ink container 56, a light magenta ink container 58, a dark cyan ink container 60, a light cyan ink container 62 and a black ink container 64 Other printing systems can be designed for use with more or less colors, including colors different from those described above. It should be understood that, as used herein, "ink" can be used in general to refer to other printing fluids, such as preconditioners, fixers, etc., which may also be contained by an ink container and be supplied through a fluid supply system. Two or more ink containers containing a printing fluid of the same color and / or the same type can be used in the same printing system. In some embodiments, one or more of the ink container compartments may be sized differently than another ink container compartment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the black compartment 52 is larger than the other compartments for ink containers, and can therefore accommodate a relatively larger ink container. As described in more detail below, a particular ink container compartment can accommodate ink containers of different sizes.

The ink supply system 16 'includes an ink transport system 70 configured to move ink from the ink supply station to the print head. In some embodiments, the ink transport system may be a bidirectional transport system capable of moving ink from the ink supply station to the print head, and vice versa. An ink transport system may include one or more transport paths for each ink color. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink transport system 70 includes a tube 72 that attaches an ink container from the ink supply station to the print head. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six such tubes that connect, with fluid circulation, the ink containers to the print head. The tube may be constructed with sufficient length and flexibility to allow the print head to scan through a printing area. In addition, the tube can be, at least partially, chemically inert in relation to the ink that carries the tube.

The ink transport system may include one or more mechanisms configured to carry the ink transport through an ink transport path. Such a mechanism can work to establish a pressure differential that stimulates ink movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid transport system 70 includes a pump 74 configured to effect ink transport through each tube 72. Such a pump may be designed as a bidirectional pump that is configured to displace ink in different directions by a corresponding trajectory of ink transport.

An ink transport path may include two or more sections. For example, each tube 72 includes a static section 76 that links an ink container to the pump and a dynamic section 78 that links the pump to the print head. The transport path may also include a pumping section that effectively joins the static section to the dynamic section and interacts with the pump to carry out the ink transport. The individual sections of an ink transport path can be physically distinct segments that are joined, with fluid circulation, by one or more interconnections. In some embodiments, a single tube length, which joins an ink container to the printhead, can be functionally divided into two or more sections, including static and dynamic sections. In the illustrated embodiment, the dynamic section 78 is adapted to link a stationary ink supply station to a print scanner head that moves during printing and, therefore, the dynamic section is configured to move and flex with the head of impression. The static section, which links a stationary ink supply station to a stationary pump, can be kept substantially fixed.

An ink container of the ink supply station 40 may include a purge element configured to facilitate the entry and exit of ink from the container. For example, a purge element can couple, with fluid circulation, the inside of an ink container to the atmosphere to help reduce unfavorable pressure gradients that can hinder the transport of ink. Such a purge element may be configured to limit ink from the ink container through the purge element, thereby preventing unnecessary ink dissipation. An example purge element in the form of a fluid interface is described in more detail in the following.

The printing fluid supply system 16 'may include a purge chamber 90 configured to reduce the evaporation of ink and / or other ink losses. Each ink container of the ink supply station 40 may be coupled, with fluid circulation, to the purge chamber 90 through a tube 92 that joins the purge element of that ink container to the purge chamber. In other words, a purge element of the ink container may be connected to the purge chamber to facilitate the transport of ink between an ink container and the print head. The purge chamber can reduce unfavorable pressure gradients, while limiting the evaporation of ink into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, purge chamber 90 may include a labyrinth that limits ink losses. The purge chamber 90 may be fixed in a substantially stationary position.

As mentioned above, Figure 2 depicts somewhat the printing fluid delivery system 16 ’. The precise arrangement of the constituent elements of the printing fluid supply system can be physically performed according to a desired industrial design. Similarly, the individual elements may vary from the illustrated embodiments, while remaining within the scope of this invention. Size, shape, access and aesthetics are among the factors that can be considered when designing a fluid ejection system that uses a printing fluid delivery system according to the present invention. Although described and illustrated with reference to an offset ink supply, it should be understood that many of the principles described herein are applicable to centered ink supplies. Offset ink supply is provided as a non-limiting example, and centered ink supplies are also within the scope of this invention.

Figure 2 shows, in a continuous line, a container of dark cyan ink 60 not installed. As indicated on dashed lines such as 61, the dark cyan ink container can be installed in the ink supply station 40. Similarly, the other ink containers of the ink supply station can be selectively installed and uninstalled. 40. In this way, by installing a complete ink container, an exhausted ink supply can be filled, thus extending the operating life of a fluid ejection system. The ink supply station may be configured so that the individual ink containers can be exchanged independently of each other. For example, if only one ink container becomes depleted, that ink container can be replaced, while the other ink containers are left in place. It should be understood that, while Figure 2 shows that the ink container 60 is being installed in the ink supply station 40 in a generally vertical direction, this is not necessarily required. The ink supply station 40 may be oriented to receive ink containers that are installed laterally. In addition, a combined ink supply, which houses two or more different fluids and / or printing colors in a common set of containers, can be seated in an ink container compartment.

An ink supply system may include an ink level monitor, configured to track the amount of ink available to supply. An ink level monitor may be configured to individually monitor individual ink containers, groups of ink containers that supply the same ink color and / or the collective ink supply of the system. The ink level monitor can cooperate with a notification system to inform a user of the status of the ink level, thus allowing a user to evaluate the ink levels and prepare for ink refilling. In addition, as described in more detail below, an ink container may include a memory and an associated electrical interface, and information related to the ink level of an ink container may be stored in such memory and transported to through the electrical interface.

Figures 3 and 4 show a more detailed view of an ink container compartment 100 by way of example, configured to selectively receive an ink container 102. Figure 3 shows the ink container compartment 100 in an open position and the Figure 4 shows the ink container compartment in a closed position, in which the ink container compartment holds the ink container 102. The ink container compartment may include a base 104 adapted to pair with a part of a container from ink. In other words, the base 104 and a part of the ink container may be configured in a complementary manner so that the ink container can be coupled to the base. The base may be sized and shaped to match the size and shape of a part of an ink container, such as an ink container lid and / or a protrusion part of an ink container reservoir body. The ink container compartment may include a retaining member 106 adapted to hold the ink container in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 106 pivots on a joint to be applied to a flange portion 108 of the ink container 102. The flange portion 108 is an example of a retention surface, to which a member can be applied retention to retain an ink container in an ink container compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 106 includes an open gap 110 through which a rear portion 112 of the ink container 102 can extend. A retention member, or a combination of two or more retention members, configured to Keeping an ink container in place, it can be configured to accommodate ink containers that have different sizes. In some embodiments, a retention member may be applied to one or more parts of an ink container, such as a retention surface of the flange portion 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 106 includes a movable core 114 configured to be applied to the flange part 108 on each side of the ink container, while the rear part 112 extends through the open recess 110. The mobile core 114 includes an elastic member adapted to apply settling pressure to the ink container 102 when retaining member 106 is in a closed position. In some embodiments, two or more retention members may be independently movable components that make the large rear parts possible, or a unit retention member may be configured to accommodate large rear parts. In addition, in some embodiments, alternative or additional retention mechanisms may be used to hold an ink container in place.

Figures 5-7 show an ink container 120 that includes an ink container lid 122 and an ink container reservoir body 124 that are complementaryly configured to collectively define a limited volume in which ink may be contained. The ink container lid and the reservoir body can be collectively referred to as a reservoir, ink reservoir or reservoir of printing fluid. In some embodiments, such a tank may be formed from a single structural piece, or from two or more pieces that are connected differently than shown in the illustrated embodiment. The lid 122 may include an inner side that faces the inside of the ink container when the reservoir body is coupled to the lid. The lid may include one or more parts adapted to be applied to a reservoir body or otherwise secure the lid to the reservoir body. In some embodiments, a lid and a reservoir body may be releasably secured to each other, while some embodiments may use a lid and a reservoir body that are connected in a substantially permanent arrangement. A seal or other suitable sealing element can be adjusted on a contact surface between the cover 122 and the reservoir body 124 to improve the capacity of the lid and the reservoir body to contain a volume of ink or other fluid of impression.

The ink container 120 may be configured as a free ink container adapted to contain a free volume of ink. As used herein, an ink-free volume refers to a volume of ink that is contained within a container without the use of a sponge, a foam, an ink bag, or a similar intermediate retention apparatus and / or a back pressure application device. A free ink container may be substantially "open" within its limits, thus allowing a relatively large percentage of the closed volume to be filled with ink, which can circulate freely within the reservoir. As described in more detail herein, the design of the ink container 120 allows a free volume of ink to be removed from the ink container and supplied to a print head. In addition, as described below, a very high percentage of a free volume of ink can be extracted from a free ink container, thus limiting the amount of ink that is retained.

The ink container lid 122 includes an outer face 126 that faces the opposite side of the contents of an ink container. The outer face 126 may be designed to be the "forward" portion of an ink container, when the ink container is installed in a corresponding ink container compartment. Consequently, the outer face may be referred to as the front surface of the ink container, or that it is aligned with a front plane of the ink container. In some embodiments, a part of a print fluid container other than a lid similar to the ink container lid 122 may be the front surface of the print fluid container.

The ink container lid 122 may be formed with an outer face 126 having a substantially flat profile. As described in more detail in the following, the outer face may include one or more recesses adapted to provide a mechanical alignment and / or a key fixing. The outer face may additionally or alternatively include holes that pass from the outside of an ink container into an ink container. Such holes can be used as fluid interfaces to move a printing fluid and / or air from the inside of the ink container to the outside of the ink container, and vice versa. An entry point of each recess, hole and / or other interface may be arranged on the same front surface. In some embodiments, the entry points to various interfaces of a printing fluid container may be located in towers that are raised above another part of the front surface. Such an embodiment may not have a substantially flat profile, but nevertheless each entry point of various mechanical, fluid and electrical interfaces may be aligned in a common forward plane. In some embodiments, the entry point to each interface may be arranged at an acceptable distance on each side of a front plane. For example, in some embodiments, any forward or backward variation of an entry point of the interface, relative to the entry point of another interface, may be less than about 5 mm, while in most such embodiments Variations can be less than about 2 mm, or even 1 mm. An ink container lid having an outer face with a substantially flat profile may be referred to as a substantially flat ink container lid, although such an ink container lid may have a measurable thickness, an irregular inner side and / or one or more surface deviations on its outer face.

The ink container lid 122 may be constructed as a unitary structural piece 130, as opposed to a combination of two or more structural parts. Such a piece may be molded, extruded or otherwise formed from a material selected for strength, weight, workability, cost, compatibility with ink and / or other considerations. For example, the lid may be injection molded from a suitable synthetic material. The construction from a unit structural piece produces an ink container lid in which an inner side and an outer face are opposite sides of the same piece of material.

An ink container lid constructed from a unitary structural part may be fitted with complementary auxiliary components. For example, a gasket can be used to favor a fluid tight seal between the ink container lid and a reservoir body. A fluid interface formed in a unitary structural part may be fitted with a sealing element configured to selectively seal the ink inside the ink container. The sealing element may be in the form of a partition, a ball and partition assembly or another mechanism. A memory device may be attached to the ink container cover 122, and said ink container cover may be equipped with an electrical interface for transferring data to and from the memory device. Such auxiliary components may be adapted to cooperate integrally with the unitary structural part that defines the overall size and shape of the ink container lid.

The ink container 120 includes a reservoir body 124 that cooperates with the ink container lid 122 in order to provide a structural limit for containing a volume of ink. As described in more detail below, the various mechanical, electrical and fluid interfaces of the ink container 122 may be arranged on an ink container lid. In other words, the functionality of the interface of an ink container can be substantially compacted for an ink container lid, thus providing freedom of design with respect to the reservoir body. For example, Figure 8 shows the ink container lid 122 with three reservoir bodies 124a-124c sized differently. As can be seen, it is possible to form ink containers with different ink capacities by combining different deposit bodies with the same ink container lid. Therefore, an ink container can be selectively sized to provide a desired ink capacity. In addition, two or more ink containers having different ink capacities can alternatively be installed in the same ink container compartment, thereby providing increased printer configuration flexibility. Standardization of the design of the ink container lid can also help reduce manufacturing costs. It should be understood that ink container caps configured differently are also within the scope of this invention.

A part of an ink container reservoir body may be configured with a standard size and shape, while another part is configured with a size and shape that vary between two or more configurations. For example, Figure 8 shows the reservoir bodies 124a-124c that include, respectively, the shoulder portions 132a-132c, which are similarly configured with each other. Such shoulder portions have a width that is substantially the same as a corresponding width of the ink container lid. Deposit bodies 124a-124c also include, respectively, rear parts 134a-134c, which are configured differently from each other. Such rear parts have a width that is less than a corresponding width of the ink container lid. The protrusion parts and the rear parts are joined by flange portions 136a-136c which include retention surfaces 138a-138c. The configuration of a part of a reservoir body, such as the protrusion parts 132a-132c, with a standard size and shape improves compatibility between different ink containers, similar to the compatibility provided by an ink container lid 122 standard. For example, different ink containers that have similarly configured shoulder portions, but which may have different sized rear parts, may be secured by the same retention member.

The reservoir body 124 may be configured to serve as a handling part of an ink container. An ink container can be physically held and handled when the ink container is loaded and unloaded from an ink container compartment of an ink supply station. An ink container can also be held by a gripping part during a refilling process, during maintenance or during other different situations. The reservoir body 124 can be used to manipulate the ink container in such cases. The reservoir body can be sized and shaped for a comfortable and secure grip. In addition, a surface of the reservoir body can be adapted to improve grip traction, such as giving texture to the surface. The shape of the reservoir body can also facilitate the insertion of the printing fluid container into a corresponding ink container compartment of an ink supply station. For example, the lack of symmetry with respect to a horizontal axis helps to define an upper part and a lower part that a user can easily appreciate, thus simplifying the installation of the ink container in a corresponding ink container compartment.

As mentioned above, an ink container lid may include one or more interface elements corresponding to complementary elements of an ink container compartment adapted to receive the ink container. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the ink container lid 122 includes an interface package 150 comprising an alignment cavity 152, a key fixing cavity 154, a superior fluid interface in the form of an interface of air 156, a lower fluid interface in the form of an ink interface 158 and an electrical interface 160. The interface package 150 is located inside the outer perimeter 128 of the ink container lid 122. In other words, The constituent elements of the interface package 150 are not located around a side edge of the ink container lid, or elsewhere on the reservoir body.

As described in more detail below, the interface package 150 is a group, by way of example, of mechanical, fluid and electrical interfaces adapted to allow and / or improve the ink supply from the ink container. The interface package 150 is provided as a non-limiting example, and other arrangements may include additional and / or alternative elements. In addition, the positioning of the various elements may vary with respect to the illustrated embodiment.

Figure 5 shows an alignment cavity 152 by way of example configured to place an ink container in a desired location with a desired orientation. Such positioning facilitates the coincidence of an ink container with an ink container compartment. In particular, an alignment cavity can be used to place an ink container in the appropriate position, so that various aspects of the ink container are aligned to engage with corresponding aspects of an ink container compartment. For example, the key fixing cavity 154 can be aligned with a corresponding key projection of the ink container compartment. The air interface 156 and the ink interface 158 can be aligned with corresponding air and ink connectors of the ink container compartment. The electrical interface 160 can be aligned with a corresponding electrical contact of the ink container compartment.

The alignment cavity 152 may be recessed relative to a front surface of the print fluid container, thus providing a robust interface that is less prone to damage compared to a tower interface that protrudes from the front surface of the print fluid container. . In some embodiments, the alignment cavity may be lowered 10 millimeters, 15 millimeters, or more relative to a front surface. The cross-sectional width of the alignment cavity can be selected to achieve a desired relationship between length and width. In particular, a length / width ratio of about 1.5 has been discovered to limit the rotation of a container of printing fluid when it coincides with a corresponding alignment member. The relationships that vary between 1.0 and 4.0 may be suitable in some embodiments, the relationships between 1.2 and 2.0 being appropriate in most circumstances. The width of the alignment cavity can be selected to be large enough to accommodate alignment members that are mechanically strong enough to withstand torsional forces that could result in rotation of the printing fluid container. and misalignment of various interface elements.

Figures 9-11 and 14-16 show a series of cross-sectional views, in which the ink container 120 is being seated in an ink container compartment 170. Figures 9-11 are top views showing ink container 120 being displaced from an unsecured position to a seated position. Similarly, Figures 14-16 are side views showing the ink container 120 being displaced from an unsecured position to a seated position. The ink container lid 122 includes an alignment cavity 152 recessed relative to a central part of the ink container lid. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment cavity 152 includes a terminal surface 172 and side walls 174 that are recessed relative to a generally flat outer face, or to a front surface. The alignment cavity may be sized so that it is deep enough to accommodate a corresponding alignment member 176, which protrudes outwardly, from the ink container compartment 170. The side walls 174 may be arranged perpendicular to the outer face, or a or more of the side walls may be gradually narrowed so that a cross-sectional area of an opening 178 of the alignment cavity 152 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the terminal surface 172.

An adjustment between the alignment member 176 and the alignment cavity 152 may be sufficiently tight so that, when the alignment cavity is applied to the alignment member, the ink container lid 122 is effectively restricted to a desired movement path. . In this way, the alignment of the ink container lid and a corresponding ink container compartment can be ensured. The adjustment can be established by physical contact between parts of the alignment cavity 152 and the alignment member 176. Such a contact can be along all surfaces of the alignment cavity and the alignment member, as Show in the drawings. In some embodiments, contact may occur along not all surface parts. In some embodiments, the coincidence of an alignment member with the alignment cavity may be less tight, and the alignment cavity may simply be sized to accommodate an outgoing alignment member without being tightly applied thereto.

The ink container lid 122 may include a progressive alignment mechanism, in which the alignment of the ink container lid becomes more precise as said ink container lid is more fully seated in a container compartment from ink. For example, the outer perimeter 128 may be slightly smaller than corresponding side walls 180 of the ink container compartment 170, and the ink container compartment may be configured to be applied to the ink container lid before the cavity Alignment is applied tightly to the alignment member. Therefore, the outer perimeter can provide an ongoing alignment for the ink container lid. The adjustment between the ink container and the side walls 180 can be relatively tolerant, so that it is easy to start the alignment in progress. Although the alignment in progress may be less accurate than the alignment provided by the alignment cavity 172, the ink container may be in a larger range of positions when the alignment in progress is started compared to when the alignment begins accurate. The ink container and the ink container compartment may be configured such that the alignment cavity 152 is directed to a position to be applied to the alignment member 176 by the interaction of the ongoing alignment between the outer perimeter 128, the part of protrusion 132 and side walls 180. In some embodiments, the alignment in progress may not include a real physical interaction, but rather a visual indication to place an ink container in an aligned position with little precision.

The alignment member 176 and the alignment cavity 152 may be configured in a complementary manner, so that an adjustment between the alignment member and the alignment cavity is progressively tightened as the ink container lid is seated in the compartment for ink containers. For example, some embodiments of an alignment cavity may be configured with a cross-sectional area of the opening 178 that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the terminal surface 172. In addition, the alignment member 176 may be configured with a end 182 having a cross-sectional area that corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the terminal surface 172. Therefore, the end 182 can be adjusted somewhat loosely within the opening 178, but nevertheless tightly adjusted when it is fully seated towards the end surface 172. Since the alignment member and the alignment cavity are completely more coincident with each other, the adjustment between the alignment cavity and the alignment member can be progressively tightened. In some embodiments, one end of an alignment member may include a gradual narrowing or rounding over the elements that initiate the alignment contact with an alignment cavity.

A progressive alignment system can be used to ensure that aspects of the ink container lid 122 are properly aligned with corresponding elements of the ink container compartment 170. In other words, the fit between the alignment cavity and the alignment member It may be designed to achieve a desired level of tightness, before an aspect of the interface package (for example, the ink interface, the air interface, the key fixing cavity, the electrical interface, etc.) is applied to a corresponding aspect of an ink container compartment. Progressive alignment can also facilitate the start of alignment, since there is a greater tolerance in the positioning of the ink container at the beginning of the settlement compared to the moment when the ink container is fully seated in the ink container compartment . Once alignment begins, the ink container can be effectively directed to a desired location with a desired orientation with increased accuracy. The interaction between aspects of the ink container with aspects of the ink container compartment may be designed to be initiated when the desired level of accuracy has been achieved. The progressive alignment system described above is provided as a non-limiting example. Other progressive alignment systems can be used. In addition, some embodiments may use non-progressive alignment systems.

Figure 5 shows an example key fixing cavity 154 configured to ensure that an ink container is seated in an appropriate ink container compartment. Each compartment of an ink supply station may be adapted to receive an ink container containing a particular printing fluid (ink type, ink color, fixer, preconditioner, etc.). For example, each ink container compartment may include a key projection of unique shape and / or orientation corresponding to the color of ink that is adapted to receive that ink container compartment. Similarly, an ink container containing that color of ink may include a key fixing cavity that restrictively matches a corresponding key projection associated with that color. A key projection may coincide with a key fixing cavity in a mutually exclusive relationship, which means that a key projection associated with an ink color would not coincide with a key fixing cavity associated with a different color of ink, or with another type of printing fluid. In other words, a combination of cotter projection and cotter fixing cavity, configured exclusively, can pin each ink color per key. In this way, a characteristic of the key fixing cavity of a printing fluid container can designate the printing fluid contained in the container.

A key fixing cavity can be used to provide physical validation that a fluid container is being inserted into the appropriate fluid container compartment. For example, a key fixing cavity can provide tactile feedback during an attempt to load an ink container into an ink container compartment. The key fixing cavity and / or the key projection can be configured so that the tactile feedback can be clearly different depending on whether the ink container is being loaded in a compartment configuration to supply the ink color containing the ink. ink container or a different color of ink. A key fixing cavity can be adapted to prohibit ink containers from being loaded into compartments for ink containers that do not include a key projection corresponding to the key fixing cavity of the ink container cover. In some embodiments, such an ink container can be loaded; however, the interaction between the non-complementary key boss and the key fixing cavity can generate a sensation that is clearly different from the feeling of complementary key fastening elements applied to each other. For example, there may be more resistance when an ink container is inserted that includes a key fixing cavity that is not configured in a complementary manner relative to the key projection that is applied to the key fixing cavity.

Figures 9-11 show cross-sectional views of the key fixing cavity 154 receiving a key projection 190 when the ink container 120 is being seated in the ink container compartment 170. The key fixing cavity 154 and the key projection 190 are configured in a complementary manner based on a corresponding color of ink. A key fixing cavity, such as key fixing cavity 154, can be configured to match only key projections corresponding to the correct ink color. Other ink containers may include similar keyway fixing cavities adapted to match different key projections associated with different ink colors. In this way, each ink color that a printing system is configured to supply can be associated with an exclusive combination of a keyway projection and a corresponding keyway fixing cavity. Although it has been described primarily with reference to pinning a particular color of ink by key, it should be understood that a key fixing mechanism can be used to pin down alternative or additional aspects of printing fluids by key. For example, a particular type of ink, such as a photo ink, can be fixed exclusively by key to ensure that the appropriate type of ink is installed in a particular compartment. In addition, other printing fluids, such as preconditioners and / or fixers, can be fixed by key to ensure that a fluid container containing such fluid is installed in a corresponding compartment that is configured to supply such fluid.

The alignment member 176 may be configured to be applied to the alignment cavity 152 before the key projection 190 is applied to the key fixing cavity 154. Therefore, the alignment member and the alignment cavity can cooperate. to ensure that the key fixing cavity 154 is properly positioned for application with the key projection 190. The alignment member may be longer than the key projection to facilitate the alignment of the alignment member and the alignment cavity before that the key projection and the key fixing cavity coincide. In embodiments of this type, the alignment cavity may be deeper than the key fixing cavity. In some embodiments, the key fixing cavity and the alignment cavity may be configured to be applied, respectively, to a key projection and an alignment member substantially at the same time. In some embodiments, the functionality of an alignment cavity and a key fixing cavity may be incorporated into a single element configured to place an ink container in a desired location with a desired orientation and ensure that the ink container is seated in an appropriate ink container compartment.

Figure 12 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the key projection 190 by way of example, which is configured for insertion into the key fixing cavity 154 configured in a complementary manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the key boss 190 has a "Y" configuration that includes a first radius 192, a second radius 194 and a third radius 196. The angle α between the first radius 192 and the second radius 194 is the same than the angle α between the first radius 192 and the third radius 196. The angle θ between the second radius 194 and the third radius 196 is smaller than the angle α. The key projection can be described as being symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry S, which runs along the first radius 192 and bisects the angle θ. As illustrated, the key projection 190 is not symmetrical with respect to any other axis that is coplanar with the axis of symmetry S.

The key fixing cavity 154 is shaped to coincide with the key projection 190, so that each radius effectively slides into a corresponding slot in the key fixing cavity. The exclusive key fixing interfaces can be based on the same general form of a particular combination of key projections and key fixing cavities, but by rotating the orientation of the combination. For example, a different interface can be configured by rotating a symmetry angle of a cotter projection having the same general shape as the cotter projection 190. A corresponding cotter fixing cavity could be rotated similarly to produce An exclusive interface combination. For example, a symmetry angle can be rotated by 45 ° increments to achieve 8 exclusive keyway configurations. Figure 13 shows five of such configurations that can be used to pin five different ink colors per key by means of the key color of ink by means of the key projection 190. The key projection configurations and key fixing cavity described above are They provide as a non-limiting example. Other key fixing interfaces can be used.

A key fixing interface can be modified additionally and / or alternatively in relation to another key fixing interface by moving the relative position of the key fixing interface on an ink container and an associated ink container compartment. For example, using the example described above, in which a key projection can be rotated 45 ° increments to achieve 8 different possible key projection configurations; You can select a location of the cotter projection from 3 different locations to achieve a total of 24 (8x3) exclusive cotter projection configurations. The key fixing cavities, with corresponding locations and orientations, can be configured to match such key projections. If desired, additional key fixing configurations can be achieved by decreasing the magnitude of the rotation increments, adding keyway projections, adding new forms of cotter projection, etc. For example, a keyway projection can be rotated by increments of 22.5 ° to achieve 16 different configurations. Similarly, different keyway and keyway cavity shapes can be used, examples of which include "T," "L" and "V" shapes.

As described above, a key fixing element and / or an alignment element of an ink container may be configured as a recess extending into the ink container, as opposed to a protrusion extending outwards. of the ink container. Such a recess provides a robust interface that is resistant to damage. In addition, configuring an ink container with a recess does not interrupt the generally flat profile of the outer face of the ink container lid.

Figure 5 shows the upper fluid interface 156 by way of example and the lower fluid interface 158 by way of example, which are configured to transfer ink, air or a mixture of ink and air to and / or from the ink container 120. As used herein, the upper fluid interface 156 may be referred to as the air interface and the lower fluid interface 158 may be referred to as the ink interface. However, it should be understood that both interfaces can transfer, in some embodiments and / or modes of operation, ink, air or a mixture thereof. In an exemplary mode of operation, the lower fluid interface 158 may supply a printing fluid, while the upper fluid interface 156 controls the pressure within the print fluid container.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid interfaces are configured as partitions that have a ball seal design. The fluid interfaces are adapted to seal the contents of the ink container, so that said content does not leak undesirably. Each interface is configured to releasably receive a fluid connector, such as a hollow needle, which can penetrate the selective sealing of a partition and transfer fluid into and out of the ink container. The partition can be configured to prevent unwanted leaks when a fluid connector is inserted and after a fluid connector has been removed. For example, the septum can narrowly encompass an inserted needle, so that ink or air can pass through the needle, but not between the needle and the septum.

Figures 14-16 show a fluid connector 200 that is applied to the air interface 156 and a fluid connector 202 that is applied to the ink interface 158. The alignment member 176 may be configured to be applied to the cavity of alignment 152 before the fluid connectors are applied to the fluid interfaces. Therefore, the alignment member and the alignment cavity can cooperate to ensure that the fluid interfaces are properly positioned for application with the fluid connectors. In other words, the alignment interface prevents fluid connectors from being applied to an unwanted part of the ink container, which could cause damage to the fluid connectors. The entry points to the fluid interfaces may be substantially coplanar with a front plane of the ink container, as opposed to alignment projections extending from an outer face of the ink container, since the alignment cavity and the member Alignment cooperate to properly align fluid interfaces.

Figures 17-19 show more detailed views of a seal member 260 of fluid interface 158. Seal member 260 includes a ball seal portion 262 that is shaped to match a plug member, elastically loaded so deformable, to form a fluid tight seal that prevents unwanted fluid leaks when a corresponding fluid connector is not applied to the fluid interface (Figure 18). The sealing part 260 also includes a needle sealing part 264 that prevents unwanted fluid leaks when a corresponding fluid connector is applied to the fluid interface (Figure 19). As shown in Figure 18, an elastic member 266 elastically loads a plug member 268 against the ball seal portion 262 of the seal member. The sealing part 262 is formed in a complementary manner relative to the cap member, so that when the cap member is pressed against the sealing part a fluid tight seal is established. As shown in Figure 19, a fluid connector 202 can be inserted through the sealing member 260, and the fluid connector can move the plug member away from the sealing member, against a recovery force applied by the elastic member. When the cap member is away from the sealing member, the fluid tight seal between the sealing member and the cap member is relaxed. However, a fluid tight seal can be established between the fluid connector and the sealing member. As shown in Figure 20, the fluid connector 202 may include an end portion 272 having fluid passage elements 274 that allow fluid flow to enter a hollow part 276 of the fluid connector, when said fluid connector fluid is applied to the cap member. The above is provided as a non-limiting example of a possible configuration for a fluid interface and a corresponding fluid connector. It should be understood that other mechanisms can be used to selectively seal fluid in a fluid container, as long as they remain within the scope of this invention. As an example, a partition with slits that self-seal can be used when a needle is removed.

As shown in Figures 14-16, the ink interface 158 may be located near a gravitational lower part of an ink container that is oriented, in a seated position, in a corresponding ink container compartment. In such a position, the fluid connector 202 is also near a gravitational lower part of the ink container. In addition, an ink container reservoir body 124 may be formed with a bottom surface 204 that bends toward the fluid connector so that the ink can naturally circulate to said fluid connector. In other words, the bottom surface 204 is elastically charged gravitationally towards a low part of the ink container. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the ink container produces an ink well 206 configured to allow the ink to drain to its access position through the fluid connector 202. By virtue of the position of the ink well relative to the rest of the ink deposit, print fluid can accumulate in said ink well as the ink level drops. The fluid connector 202 can continue to draw ink that occupies the ink well 206 as the ink level drops during use.

The well, the ink interface and the corresponding fluid connector may be positioned to limit the amount of ink that is retained in the ink container, thereby minimizing waste. In some embodiments, a container of printing fluid can supply all, but not more than 2 cubic centimeters, of printing fluid, with all, but not more than 1 cubic centimeter being supplied, in most embodiments. As mentioned above, the size of the reservoir body can be increased, thus providing an increased ink capacity. However, such reservoirs may be configured with an ink well similar to ink well 206, or otherwise configured so that an ink interface is near the bottom of the reservoir, thus minimizing the amount of ink that can be stay inside the ink container. In other words, according to this invention, the amount of ink that can be retained inside an ink container does not have to be proportional to the ink capacity of the ink container.

As shown in Figure 5, the outer face 126 of the ink container lid 122 may include a projection 210 on which the ink interface 158 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 210 is configured to allow a portion center of the ink interface 158, through which a fluid connector can pass, is located near a low point of the ink container reservoir. Therefore, a fluid connector can be inserted into the fluid interface to extract ink from a relatively low area of the ink container, thus facilitating the removal of a larger percentage of ink from said ink container. The projection 210 also allows the ink interface to be located near the bottom of the ink tank, while being held within the outer perimeter 128 of the outer face 126.

Figure 21 illustrates somewhat schematically a projection 210, aligned with a recess 212 that is recessed relative to a portion of the lower surface 204, thus forming a well 206. Well 206 may be gravitationally lower than the rest of the reservoir, thus facilitating the accumulation of printing fluids in the well, when the printing fluids are removed from the container. In other words, a well portion 207 of the lower surface may be recessed relative to the rest of the lower surface. To improve the accumulation of printing fluids in the well 206, the bottom surface 204 may be elastically charged gravitationally to the well, so that the printing fluids can effectively circulate "downwardly" to said well. The bottom surface 204 may be formed without any false wells, which could accumulate trapped printing fluid without a fluid path to well 206.

The projection 210 and the recess 212 may be substantially aligned with each other, as illustrated in the embodiment shown. When aligned in this way, an outline of the down edge of the front surface traces an outline of the bottom edge of the bottom surface. The projection 210 and the recess 212 may be aligned horizontally in relation to the ink container lid 122. The projection and the recess may be additionally or alternatively aligned horizontally in relation to an insertion axis of the ink container compartment. In other words, the projection can be located on the ink container cover so that, when the ink container is installed in a corresponding ink container compartment, the projection and a fluid interface on the projection are substantially equidistant on each side of the ink container compartment.

In Figure 21, a fluid level 214 is schematically illustrated and how much ink can be drawn from the print fluid container when the container includes a well. In contrast to this, Figure 22 schematically illustrates a fluid level 216 of a vessel that does not include a well. As can be seen by comparison, well 206 limits the amount of printing fluid that is retained. Although the depth of the fluid level 214 and the fluid level 216 may be comparable, the volume of printing fluid associated with the fluid level 214 is considerably less than the volume of printing fluid associated with the fluid level 216. Well 206 may be configured such that the cross-sectional area of the part of a fluid container that limits the fluid level 214 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the part of a fluid container that limits the fluid level 216, thus decreasing the respective volumes that adopt similar depths. In some embodiments, well 206 may be configured to reduce the upper surface area (and corresponding volume) of a fluid level corresponding to an effectively empty fluid container by at least 75%, and usually by 90% or plus. Additionally, as mentioned above, the capacity of the rest of an ink container can be increased without changing the size of the well and without generating an increase in the amount of printing fluid that will be retained in the container. Well 206 can be sized and shaped in various ways. As a general rule, the volume of the well 206 can be reduced to make the amount of printing fluid that can be retained within the container smaller. Well 206 may be sized to accommodate a fluid interface with sufficient additional volume to allow free flow of printing fluid to enter the well.

The air interface 156 may be located gravitationally above the ink interface 158 when an ink container is oriented in a position seated in a corresponding ink container compartment. The upper fluid interface 156 can function as a purge hole configured to facilitate pressure compensation in the ink container. When ink is drawn from the ink interface 158, the air interface 156 may allow air to enter the ink container to compensate for the pressure inside. Similarly, if ink is returned to the ink container, the air interface may purge air out of the ink container. As mentioned above, the upper fluid interface may be coupled, with fluid circulation, to a purge chamber 90 configured to reduce the evaporation of ink and / or other ink losses. As described and illustrated herein, an ink container (and a corresponding ink container compartment or other mechanism for seating an ink container) may be configured for lateral installation. A configuration that facilitates lateral installation also provides design flexibility in a printing system. In particular, a side installation allows a printing system to be designed for front, rear or side loading of an ink container, as opposed to being restricted to top loading.

As illustrated in Figure 2, an ink interface may be an active interface, which is coupled, with fluid circulation, to a pump 74 configured to control the ink supply to and from the ink container. An air interface may be a passive interface, which is not directly controlled by a pump, but rather is configured to allow a pressure balance to be achieved naturally. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is provided as a non-limiting example, and that other configurations are within the scope of this invention. For example, in some embodiments, an air interface may be an active interface that is actively controlled to produce a desired pressure within the ink container.

Figure 5 shows an electrical interface 160 that is configured to provide a communication and / or power path for one or more electrical devices of the ink container 120. The electrical interface 160 may include one or more electrical contacts 162 that are adapted to join electrically with corresponding electrical contacts of a compartment for ink containers. When the ink container is seated in the ink container compartment, the electric current can be displaced through the electrical connection. In this way, information and / or energy can be transported through the connection. For example, an ink container may include a memory device 164, and the electrical interface can be used to write data to the memory device and / or read data from the memory device. For example, a memory may be configured to store fixing information by electronic key that can be used to validate that an ink container is loaded in an ink container compartment configured to supply the appropriate printing fluid. If an error is detected, an electronic key fixation can be used to disable printing and prevent the ink supply system from becoming contaminated. The memory may also include an expiration date and / or information related to the relative amount of ink held in the associated ink container. In some embodiments, an electrical interface may include a set of additional or alternative components, such as a specific application integrated circuit.

The alignment cavity 152 may be located approximately in the center of the outer face 126, and the other interfaces of the interface package 150 may be arranged around the alignment cavity. Thus, the air interface 156, the ink interface 158, the electrical interface 160 and the key fixing cavity 154 can be located between the alignment cavity and the outer perimeter 128. As used herein, the The term "center" refers to a relatively distal position of the outer perimeter of the outer face of the ink container. The center of an outer face of an ink container may vary depending on the size and shape of the ink container.

The positioning of the alignment cavity near the center of the outer face allows each of the other interfaces to be located relatively close to said alignment cavity. The positioning of the alignment cavity 152 near the other interfaces can facilitate the alignment of said interfaces with the corresponding elements of an ink container compartment. For example, the positioning of the interfaces near the alignment cavity may decrease the effect of any tolerance that exists in the alignment interface. Therefore, if the alignment interface allows some variation of the alignment, the other interfaces can be maintained within an acceptable position to be applied to the corresponding parts of an ink container compartment. In other words, the effects of any movement allowed by the alignment interface can be amplified in proportion to the relative distance from the alignment cavity. Therefore, such effects can be minimized by placing the various interface elements near the alignment cavity.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the fluid interfaces of an ink container may be located along a vertical axis V of the front surface of the print fluid container. The alignment cavity 152 may also be located along the vertical axis V, such that said vertical axis V crosses the upper fluid interface 156, the lower fluid interface 158 and the alignment cavity 152. Similarly, the electrical interface 160 and / or the key fixing cavity 154 may be located along a horizontal axis H of the front surface of the printing fluid container. The alignment cavity 152 may also be located along the horizontal axis H, such that said horizontal axis H crosses the electrical interface, the key fixing cavity and the alignment cavity. In other words, the alignment package may be arranged in a "cross" configuration, with the alignment cavity located in the center of the cross (the intersection of the vertical axis V and the horizontal axis H). In some embodiments, the horizontal axis H may bisect the vertical axis segment V between the upper fluid interface 156 and the lower fluid interface 158 and / or the vertical axis V may bisect the horizontal axis segment H between the electrical interface 160 and the key fixing cavity 154. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the vertical axis V can be a symmetry axis, in which the basic shape of the fluid container is the same to the left and right of the axis. As used in relation to an axis and an interface element, the term "cross" means that at least a part of the interface element is crossed by the axis. Therefore, a common axis can cross two or more elements, although the precise centers of such elements are not aligned on the axis.

Figure 23 shows an exemplary ink container 220 that includes retention slots 222 adapted to provide a retention surface for the lateral retention members of an ink container compartment. Figures 24-26 show the ink container 220 as it is applied to the ink container compartment 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink container compartment 224 includes a lateral retention member 226 that is configured to releasably secure the ink container in a position seated in the ink container compartment. The lateral retention member may be elastically movable between at least one closed position and one open position. For example, the lateral retention member may be elastically loaded in a closed position, wherein said lateral retention member is positioned to contact an ink container when the ink container is seated in the ink container compartment. As the ink container is introduced into the ink container compartment, said ink container causes the lateral retention member to flex to an open position, as shown in Figure 25. As shown in Figure 26, The lateral retention member returns elastically to a closed position when the ink container is seated in the ink container compartment. The side retention member 226 includes a hitch 228 that is applied to a retention slot 222, thereby holding the ink container 220 in a position seated in the ink container compartment. The ink container can be removed from the seating state by moving the lateral retention member to an open position.

A pair of retention slots located on opposite sides of an ink container may be located coplanar with an alignment cavity. For example, the retention grooves 222 may be located in the same plane as the alignment cavity 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention surfaces and the alignment cavity are each crossed by a common plane that extends horizontally. . The key fixing cavity 232 and the electrical interface 234 can also be located in the same plane. It should be understood that other retention mechanisms may be configured to apply retention pressure along a plane that passes through an alignment cavity. In some embodiments, a retention groove may be located in another plane that crosses an alignment cavity, such as in a vertical plane that crosses an alignment cavity and one or more fluid interfaces.

Figures 27-29 show another embodiment in which another retention mechanism is employed. As illustrated, an ink container compartment 240 includes an alignment member 242 which includes, in turn, an inner retention member 244. The inner retention member 244 is configured to selectively apply to an alignment cavity 246 when a ink container 248 is seated in the ink container compartment. The inner retention member may be elastically movable between at least one closed position and one open position. For example, the inner retention member may be elastically loaded in a closed position, in which said inner retention member is positioned to contact the alignment cavity 246 when the ink container is seated in the ink container compartment. As the ink container is introduced into the ink container compartment, said ink container causes the inner retention member to flex to an open position, as shown in Figure 28. As shown in Figure 29, The inner retention member elastically returns to a closed position when the ink container is seated in the ink container compartment. The inner retaining member 244 includes a hitch 250 which is applied to a corresponding retaining pin 252 of the alignment cavity 246, thereby holding the ink container 248 in a position seated in the ink container compartment. The ink container can be removed from the seating state by moving the inner retention element to an open position.

The lateral retention and internal retention mechanisms described above are provided as non-limiting examples of possible retention configurations. A lateral retention mechanism and an internal retention mechanism can be used collaboratively or independently of one another. Similarly, a lateral retention mechanism and / or an internal retention mechanism may be used additionally or alternatively with respect to other retention mechanisms, such as the retention mechanism described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. they can also use other suitable retention mechanisms.

As described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, an ink container includes an interface package with one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces. The ink container has a front surface, which is configured to be inserted laterally into an ink container compartment of an ink supply station. The front surface of an ink container is configured as a flat outer surface. Each of the respective interfaces of the interface package is located on the substantially flat front surface of the ink container. The front surface can be described as having an outer perimeter and the respective interfaces of the interface package may be located inside the outer perimeter. The illustrated embodiments show a non-limiting example of a configuration for arranging an interface package. It should be understood that other arrangements are within the scope of this invention, as claimed.

Although the present invention has been provided with reference to the operating principles and the above embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims. In case the invention or the claims

list "a", "a first" or "other" element, or the equivalent thereof, should be construed to include one

or more of such elements, without requiring or excluding two or more such elements.

Claims (11)

1. A printing fluid container (120), comprising: one or more fluid interfaces (156; 158), mechanical (152; 154; 230; 232) and electrical (160); a substantially flat front surface that is configured for lateral insertion into a system printing (10); a reservoir (122) configured to contain a volume of printing fluid and air, so that the printing fluid can circulate freely within the reservoir; wherein each of said one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces is located on the surface substantially flat front, and said one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces include: a printing fluid interface (158); an air interface (156); and an alignment element (152; 230).

2.

The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein the alignment element (152; 230) is recessed relative to the substantially flat front surface.

3.

The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein said one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces further include:

an electrical interface (160), a vertical axis (V) of the substantially flat front surface, which crosses the print fluid interface (158), the air interface (156) and the alignment element (152; 230), but not the electrical interface (160 ).

Four.

The printing fluid container according to claim 3, wherein the alignment element (152; 230) is lowered relative to the substantially flat front surface.

5.

The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein said one or more fluid, mechanical and electrical interfaces further include:

an electrical interface (160), and wherein a first axis (V) of the substantially flat front surface crosses the print fluid interface, the air interface and the alignment element, and said alignment element is located substantially between the print fluid interface and the air interface, and in which a second axis (H) crosses the electrical interface and the alignment element, and in which the second axis (H) crosses and is substantially normal to the first axis (V) in the element of alignment.

6.

The printing fluid container according to claim 5, wherein the alignment element (152; 230) is recessed relative to the substantially flat front surface.

7.

The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir (122) has a reservoir body (124) comprising a shoulder part (132; 132a-132c) and a rear part (112) with a width which is smaller than the width of the shoulder portion, and in which the rear portion and the shoulder portion are connected by a flange portion (136a-136c) that provides a retention surface that is approximately parallel to the front surface substantially flat.

8.

The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein the printing fluid interface (158) is at one end of the substantially flat front surface; the air interface (156) is at an opposite end of the substantially flat front surface; and the

alignment element comprises a first lowered alignment element (152; 230), located adjacent to the air interface and between the print fluid interface and the air interface; and a second lowered alignment element (152; 230), located adjacent to the fluid interface of printing and between the air interface and the printing fluid interface. 16 9. The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir (122) has a gravitational lower surface (204) and a well (206) in a gravitationally low portion of the reservoir, the well being lowered relative to the lower gravitational surface, and being adjacent to the print fluid interface (158), the print fluid interface being configured to releasably receive a fluid connector for 5 extract print fluid from the well. 10. The printing fluid container according to claim 1, wherein the alignment element (152; 230) is disposed through the substantially flat front surface and recessed into the reservoir; and there is a key fixing element (154) through the substantially flat front surface and 10 recessed into the tank. 11. A printing fluid system, which has a printer and a printing fluid container (120) according to any of the preceding claims. 17